| Development and Peace has launched an appeal for donations for the victims of Cyclone Nargis, which devastated Burma on May 2, 2008, leaving 134 000 dead or missing.
"At this time, the greatest threat to the millions of Burmese who have been injured, traumatized and otherwise affected by this disaster is that they be forgotten," says Michael Casey, Executive Director of Development and Peace.
"Development and Peace and Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Church’s international development network, are focusing all their efforts to lend urgent assistance to the Burmese population who is in dire need. Assistance sent to Burma from humanitarian agencies around the world is currently being distributed via the parishes throughout the country. An international team of Caritas network experts is organized in Bangkok,Thailand and inside Burma to support this humanitarian operation."
The relief effort includes the provision of food, medical and water purification equipment, as well as temporary shelter materials to at least 60 000 victims of the cyclone.
Caritas Internationalis has set an initial fundraising objective of $ 8 million for the next three months, although community reconstruction and rehabilitation will take several years.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has pledged to match any donation made to Burma before June 13, 2008.
Urging Canadians to respond to this appeal, Mr. Casey adds: "by this gesture, let us send a solidarity message to the Burmese population that they have not been forgotten."
Contributions can be made by telephone (1 888 664-3387), online, or sent by cheque (marked "Emergency: Burma") to the following address:
Development and Peace
1425, René-Lévesque Blvd. West, 3rd floor
Montreal (Quebec) H3G 1T7
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